A reason to celebrate Ageing Well in Geelong

Friday 18 October 2024

During Seniors Month, local residents will come together for a day of celebration and activity in Geelong.

The Uniting AgeWell Celebration of Ageing Well event on Monday, 21 October coincides with the Victorian Seniors Festival and the 20^th anniversary of the organisation.

And while Uniting AgeWell may be celebrating its 20^th year, its heritage in the Geelong region as part of the Uniting Church in Australia extends back to the 1970s when its Kalkee residential community in Belmont opened.

Today, the aged care provider continues to have a strong commitment to the Barwon region, offering a range of home care and community services across Geelong and the Surf Coast in addition to its residential care and independent retirement living options in Belmont.

Uniting AgeWell’s Regional Director of Home Care for Barwon, Sherry-Ann Bailey says it is heartening to witness the range of services available for older Australians today and the potential for further improvements as the sector meets the needs of a larger ageing population.

“Uniting AgeWell has been operating in Geelong for over 40 years. The changes we have witnessed over the years is not only in the level and quality of service available, but in the number of really committed individuals who choose aged care as a career. Whether someone is living in their own home or in residential care, it’s their support team who helps create the lifestyle they continue to enjoy.”

Sherry-Ann says events like the Celebration of Ageing Well are as much for the local staff as the local clients and residents, helping bring together a community of likeminded people.

Clients accessing home care and community services as well as residents from independent living units enjoy monthly get-togethers in Geelong hosted by Uniting AgeWell. From a very-well attended Christmas in July sit-down lunch with turkey and all the trimmings to a Daffodil Day High Tea, a Grand Final BBQ and a Spring Racing Carnival coming up. Many friendships have been forged at these events.

Uniting AgeWell CEO Andrew Kinnersly emphasises the importance of aged care providers working with Government to expand and improve services, particularly in regional areas like Barwon.

“Uniting AgeWell is committed to growing our services in support of local communities to ensure there are quality options available to people as they age. The future we see and are striving to achieve, is one where all older people have access to high quality, safe services.

Our focus is on providing people with choice and a continuum of care. Having easy access to local services that enable people to remain living independently at home, actively engaged in their community or when 24/7 care is needed, specialist residential care, is an important part of this.”